Orange County Digest

Newport Beach : Panel Would Give Teens a Forum for Their Views

Newport Beach teen-agers would have more of a say in how their city runs, particularly in how they are treated by local police and government leaders, if the City Council votes Monday night to establish a youth council.

The proposed youth council is an outgrowth of complaints by local merchants and residents of an epidemic in late-night teen-age rowdiness and vandalism. The City Council reacted by imposing a curfew last year, despite protests from teen-agers.

Composed of 10 students from the two local high schools, the youth council is to provide a direct line of communication between the city's youth and the City Council, and to explore recreational and social activities for teen-agers. A member of the City Council and the city recreation superintendent will serve as liaisons.